Failure to change locals’ mindset bogs Varanasi in Swachh Survekshan

A series of sanitation drives has failed to improve the situation in the ancient city which draws tourists from India and abroad. Stained walls, mounds of garbage and water logging due to a poor sewage system are some of the issues plaguing the city.

While the Opposition blames the Centre for taking no concrete initiative to develop the infrastructure required to keep the city clean, several others blame the mindset of the locals for poor sanitation.(HT File Photo)

Despite being Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s constituency, lack of cleanliness continues to be a major problem in Varanasi that has been ranked among the 10 dirtiest cities of India.

A series of sanitation drives has failed to improve the situation in the ancient city which draws tourists from India and abroad. Stained walls, mounds of garbage and water logging due to a poor sewage system are some of the issues plaguing the city.

While the Opposition blames the Centre for taking no concrete initiative to develop the infrastructure required to keep the city clean, several others blame the mindset of the locals for poor sanitation.

Rajni Sinha, an associate professor in the city’s Arya Mahila Postgraduate College, says, “Instead of contributing to the sanitation drive, the locals have indulged in criticism. People need to change their mindset to ensure cleanliness across the city. Even a little effort will yield a massive change.”

Hitting out at the Centre, senior SP leader Shatrarudhra Prakash said, “The BJP has always believed in propaganda politics. In the last two years, the city got false assurances. It failed to find a place on the smart cities list. Now, it has figured among the dirtiest cities.”